Birria Tacos with Consomé
Rich, slow-cooked beef tacos dipped in a deep red chili broth (consomé), then pan-fried until crispy and cheesy—one of the most iconic Mexican comfort foods.
🛒 Ingredients
🥩 Birria (beef stew)
- 1.5–2 kg beef chuck or short ribs (bone-in for best flavor)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 6–8 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt, to taste
🌶️ Chili sauce base
- 4 dried guajillo chilies
- 3 dried ancho chilies
- 2–3 dried pasilla chilies (optional)
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but traditional depth)
- 2–3 cups beef broth
🌮 Tacos
- Corn tortillas
- Shredded beef (from cooked birria)
- Shredded cheese (Oaxaca, mozzarella, or cheddar)
- Chopped onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare chilies
- Remove seeds from dried chilies
- Toast lightly in a dry pan for 20–30 seconds
- Soak in hot water for 15–20 minutes until soft
2. Make sauce
- Blend soaked chilies, tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, spices, and a bit of broth until smooth
3. Cook birria
- In a large pot, sear beef until browned
- Pour chili sauce over meat
- Add onion, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, salt, and remaining broth
- Simmer 3–4 hours (or slow cooker 6–8 hours) until meat is tender and shreddable
4. Shred beef
- Remove meat and shred
- Strain broth to create clean consomé
5. Assemble tacos
- Dip tortilla lightly in top layer of oily consomé
- Fill with shredded beef and cheese
- Fold and fry on skillet until crispy and golden
6. Serve
- Serve tacos hot with a bowl of consomé for dipping
- Top with onion, cilantro, and lime
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Dip tacos into warm consomé 🌶️
- Add pickled onions for brightness
- Serve with Mexican rice or beans 🍚
- Add extra chili oil for heat
🔥 Tips
- Slow cooking is key for tender, juicy beef
- Don’t skip dipping tortillas in consomé—it gives the signature red crust
- Use bone-in meat for deeper flavor
- Let broth rest for a more intense consomé layer
🌮 Why it’s so good
Juicy shredded beef, melted cheese, crispy tortilla edges, and rich chili broth combine into a smoky, savory, deeply comforting taco experience.